Young writers urged to put pen to paper

Half-term ideal time to write short story for local competition.

Young people are being encouraged to get creative during the school half-term and write an original short story on any subject they like.

Honiton Writers’ Circles is offering prizes in four age categories for short stories up to 750 words.

“Last year was a great success and we had some wonderful work from many budding young junior school writers,” said John Carter, one of the competition organisers.

“This year, we are extending the competition to the senior schools in East Devon as well.

“We know there is real talent out there, so, come on you young writers, why not brush the dust off those imaginative ideas you have been storing up and show us what you can do.”

The junior entries will again be judged by children’s writer T M Alexander, author of the Tribe series of books.

The senior entries will be judged by Sue Purkiss, author of the Warrior King, Emily’s Surprising Voyage and The Warrior King.

Sixty-three junior schools and nine senior schools across East Devon are being asked to get involved.

Six winners will be chosen from the two junior age groups, five to eight and nine to 11, and six from the two senior age groups, 11 to 14 and 16 to 18.

They will receive a signed framed certificate, a generous gift token and one of the author’s signed books.

All entries have to be in by November 10 and winners will be informed and announced in the Midweek Herald at the end of that month. Prizes will be presented by the judges at a reception in early December.

Stories should be sent with a title and a separate sheet showing your name, age, telephone number and address, (with parents/teachers consent) to John Carter, Smokey House, Yarcombe, Honiton, Devon EX14 9AD.